Improvements to NAPLAN, including moving the test to Term 1 and returning results much earlier, will be implemented from 2023 following a review led by NSW.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said she was pleased that changes were happening in line with the review initiated by NSW in 2019 to make NAPLAN a more effective diagnostic tool.

“These are necessary changes I have been pushing for over the past two years, particularly following the success of the NSW Check-In Assessments, which give teachers results within 48 hours,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Currently the timing of NAPLAN means it is not diagnostic, as students sit the tests quite late and results are delivered months later, minimising their value in the classroom.”

The 2019 Review recommended the test be brought forward from May to as early as possible in the year so that results can be used more productively by schools and teachers.

From 2023, NAPLAN tests will move to Term 1, with all results except for writing delivered earlier.

“Delivering results earlier in the year means teachers have a better understanding of where their students are at and can develop classroom programs accordingly,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This is a win for teachers, students and their families. It ensures the assessment can be used more effectively and provides greater opportunity to improve learning outcomes.”

In addition to these changes, from Term 2 2024 schools will also be able to opt-in to additional assessments for Year 6 and 10 students, starting with Science in 2024, Civics and Citizenship in 2025, and Digital Literacy in 2026.